Am I mad?

[Shane]

Evening all,

 

I came to point in September where I realised I need to make changes to get the most out of life-I’m only 37, a dad of one, have a good job and life however I have never been able to shake the gambling bug.

 

Currently I’m just under 4 weeks without a bet on football/horses and the same for FOBTs which given my extensive habit for 15/16 years, I’m feeling pretty good.

 

I’m over the ‘itch’ to constantly gamble for now but I certainly won’t be complacent and I’ve registered with gamstop, Moses (Casinos) and self-excluded from bookies.

 

My question is am I mad for watching the online content? For me, it’s quite cathartic being able to watch but not having the urge to gamble but I’m wondering if anyone else has experience of themselves/others doing this and maybe it having an adverse effect?

 

thanks in advance!

[BlindHaze]

Honestly, I’d say it depends. If it’s an addiction then you may have problems with watching the content. Some people may say that you should cut all ties with gambling, others say that you need to do what works for you.

If it’s just a habit, then I’d say you’re well on the way to breaking it. About a decade or so ago, I was in a similar position, spent a lot of my spare time in the bookies and arcades, primarily out of boredom, and it became a routine. I decided to break the habit and distracted myself, thankfully the new iPhone had plenty of Apps to play with. Still to this day I play Clash Of Clans. I still gamble on the FOBTs from time to time on 20p stake but have no issue sticking to a £10/£20 budget or putting on my £2 football bet.

I’m no counsellor, I’m just giving my story. Hopefully you’re in the latter place, if so then keep at it and you’ll find yourself in a much better place.